Monorail Station

The Monorail Station at Alton Towers is one of those attractions that divides opinion rather neatly. It's essentially a transport hub - a chance to ride the park's overhead monorail system that whisks you between different sections of the theme park. You're not here for a thrill ride or a museum piece; you're here to move between zones, though the journey itself has become something of a curiosity for visitors.

What you actually get is a few minutes suspended above Alton Towers, taking in views of the grounds and surrounding Staffordshire countryside. It's genuinely useful if your legs are knackered after a day of queuing, and children tend to find the novelty of being airborne quite exciting. That said, if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Lower Micklin is just over a mile away, or Alton's own Camping and Caravanning Club site at 1.9 miles - you'll encounter this as part of your park day rather than as a destination in itself.

Realistically, allow five to ten minutes. It's free with your park admission. History buffs and keen photographers might linger to catch decent shots across the estate, but most families will treat it as a practical break rather than a highlight. Worth doing once if you're in the park, but don't plan a separate trip to Uttoxeter for it. The monorail works best as part of a full Alton Towers visit, combining it with the roller coasters and other attractions throughout the day.